CVE-2014-6658 in Job Search - Find Jobs
Summary
by MITRE
The Apploi Job Search- Find Jobs (aka com.apploi) application 4.19 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive information via a crafted certificate.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6658 affects the Apploi Job Search application version 4.19 for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw in the application's secure communication implementation. This weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification mechanism that should ensure secure communication between the mobile application and remote servers.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's improper handling of SSL certificate validation processes, where the Android application fails to perform adequate certificate chain validation and trust verification. This occurs because the application likely implements a custom or incomplete SSL socket implementation that bypasses the standard Android certificate validation routines. The vulnerability creates a scenario where the application accepts any certificate presented by a server, regardless of its authenticity, trust chain, or validity period. This behavior directly violates fundamental security principles of secure communication and enables attackers to establish fraudulent connections with the application's servers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to severe man-in-the-middle attacks that can result in the interception and manipulation of sensitive job search data, personal information, and potentially financial details. Attackers can create malicious certificates that appear legitimate to the application, allowing them to eavesdrop on communications, inject malicious content, or redirect users to fraudulent websites. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential account compromise, identity theft, and unauthorized access to job applications and related personal information. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on the application for sensitive job-related activities and personal data management.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation in secure communication implementations. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to leverage the MITM technique as defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1041 technique for data encryption and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including certificate pinning mechanisms, proper SSL certificate validation, and regular security audits of mobile applications. The recommended remediation involves updating the application to properly implement Android's built-in certificate validation mechanisms and ensuring all network communications utilize proper certificate chain verification to prevent attackers from exploiting this critical flaw.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper SSL/TLS implementation in mobile applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the development lifecycle. The absence of certificate verification represents a fundamental security oversight that can be easily remediated through proper implementation of standard security practices and adherence to mobile security best practices.